Tim Kolupanowich

The Calgary Flames find themselves in the precarious position as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Being on the bubble of the last playoff spot, should they be buyers in hopes that they’ll get a few playoff dates, or be sellers and start building a team that can contend a little more convincingly?

Patrice Bergeron’s career nearly ended four years ago when he suffered one of the worst-looking concussions in NHL history. Today, he’s finally back on track. But with all the media attention given to concussions since Sidney Crosby experienced his, we need only look back to Bergeron to truly see how little we actually understand the situation.

The New York Rangers have emerged as a top contender in the Eastern Conference. The young squad have grown and evolved together, learning from the mistakes of the past and benefitting from experienced veterans like Brad Richards. Will this be enough to get them a Stanley Cup?

Gary Roberts, an NHL veteran with 1,354 games to his credit, missed the entire 1996-97 season due to injury. That prompted him to successfully investigate a way to get himself healthy, which led to his post-NHL work with the Fitness Institute, where he helps young players prepare for the rigors of being a top athlete in any sport.

Patrik Elias is on the cusp of setting a franchise record for goals scored with the New Jersey Devils. Elias is often overlooked due to some of the star power from other members of his team, but he’s put together a career that just may be worthy of the Hall of Fame.

With the 2012 NHL Draft looming so far off in the distance, it’s easy to overlook the masses of draft-eligible prospects scattered across the continent. It’s even easier to overlook those hailing from California. When Nicolas Kerdiles moved north to play hockey for the University of Wisconsin, he did it with the show in mind.